ABSTRACT
Federal law prohibits the importation of merchandise mined, manufactured, or produced, wholly or in part, by forced labor, including convict labor, forced child labor, and indentured labor. The use of forced labor is not just a serious human rights issue, but it also brings about unfair competition. The explosive growth of e-commerce has generated a substantial increase in international mail and express consignment shipments. Foreign sellers are exploiting this trend to ship counterfeit and other illicit goods into the United States and to commit other trade violations. All goods imported into the United States are subject to duty or duty-free entry, depending on their classification under the applicable tariff schedule and their country of origin. The rules prohibit or limit the entry of some imports; limit entry to certain ports; restrict routing, storage, or use; or require treatment, labeling, or processing as a condition of release from customs.
